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Cyst is a 2020 horror-comedy film that harks back to the creature features and body horror flicks of the 1950s and 1960s. Directed by Tyler Russell, the movie blends elements of grotesque humor, science fiction, and classic horror to bring to life an over-the-top and campy narrative that revolves around the dangers of unchecked scientific ambition and the monstrous consequences it can breed.

Set in the early 1960s, the film follows the story of an obsessed plastic surgeon Dr. Guy, portrayed by George Hardy, who is on the cusp of a breakthrough in medical technology that he believes will revolutionize the cosmetic surgery industry. His invention is a machine designed to remove skin cysts quickly and painlessly. The nurse who has worked alongside him, Patricia, is played by Eva Habermann, and she does so with an air of compassionate professionalism, though she harbors her own concerns about the doctor's obsessive nature.

Amidst their professional relationship and scientific endeavors, the clinic is also visited by an outsider, Rich, played by Greg Sestero. Rich's role in the narrative adds both tension and a hint of mystery as his presence in the clinic intertwines him in the upcoming chaotic events.

Dr. Guy's ambitious device, however, is far from perfect. The machine, named the "Get-Gone," has a history of malfunctioning, but the doctor is determined to prove its potential. In his hubris, he ignores the cautions and fails to acknowledge the risks associated with the flawed machine. The tension escalates when, during a demonstration procedure aimed at impressing a potential investor, things go terribly wrong, leading to the creation of a monstrous and grotesque being – the titular cyst.

The cyst monster, a grotesque amalgamation of flesh and rage, embarks on a rampage, causing havoc within the confines of the clinic. With its insatiable hunger and terrifying presence, the cyst creature becomes the center of the film's horror elements. The creature's design pays homage to the practical effects and monster suits of an earlier era of horror cinema, embodying the spirit of practical effects-driven storytelling.

The clinic's confined space becomes a pressure cooker as the characters are trapped with the growing horror. Dr. Guy, Nurse Patricia, Rich, and a gaggle of patients and staff must band together to survive the onslaught of the cyst monster. Their attempts at containment and survival drive the narrative forward, as the characters' dynamics and true motivations are revealed under the stress of the situation.

As for the tone, Cyst maintains a balance between humor and horror, often leaning into the absurdity of its premise with a wink and a nod to the audience. The film doesn't take itself too seriously, allowing viewers to revel in the camp and intentional cheesiness which includes hammy dialogue, and over-the-top performances that amplify the B-movie aesthetic.

The performances of the cast play into the exaggerated world of Cyst. Hardy's portrayal of Dr. Guy is one of an archetypal mad scientist, lacking self-awareness and blinded by ambition. Habermann's Nurse Patricia provides a grounded foil to Dr. Guy's wild machinations, offering moments of sanity and humanity within the burgeoning chaos. Sestero's Rich adds to the ensemble with a layered performance that hints at more beneath the surface.

The setting and period costumes are meticulously crafted to capture the era's look and feel. The clinic, as the primary location of the film, is designed to feel both inviting as a place of healing and claustrophobic as the site of terror, reflecting the dual nature of the narrative.

Moreover, the score and sound design further set the atmosphere, with a soundscape that underlines the tension and pays homage to the sci-fi and horror classics that inspired Cyst. From the eerie, theremin-infused musical cues to the squelchy and visceral sound effects of the monster, the audio complements the visual feast of schlock and gore.

Filmmakers of Cyst also address themes that resonate beyond the superficial blood and campiness, including the consequences of unchecked scientific experimentation, the moral and ethical responsibilities of medical practitioners, and the vanity and desperation that can drive individuals to dangerous lengths for perceived perfection.

All in all, Cyst embarks on a grotesque joyride through horror and humor for fans of genre cinema. It taps into a nostalgia for a bygone era of filmmaking with its retro flair and unapologetic embrace of B-movie tropes. For audiences looking for a dose of light-hearted gore, quick-witted banter, and throwback creature feature thrills, Cyst is a celluloid oddity that aims to entertain and gross out in equal measure.

Cyst is a 2022 horror movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 14 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 4.4.